Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Logic: The Universal Language

One of the things that makes Martial Blade Concepts unique
is its teaching methodology and the emphasis on creating a logical learning
progression that emphasizes both repetition and a deeper understanding of
critical skills. This emphasis also makes MBC’s certified instructors true
teachers, not just skilled practitioners.

The effectiveness of the current MBC teaching method really
hit home to me recently when I taught a two-day seminar in Friedrichshafen,
Germany. Of the 40+ students in that seminar, none were native English
speakers. And although the seminar host explained to all participants that
strong English-language skills were required to participate, the levels of
English fluency among the students varied greatly.

Interestingly, the martial arts skill levels of the
participants were also spread across a broad spectrum. Sure, we had some very
experienced practitioners and even a few instructors who had a strong enough
martial arts foundation to watch, analyze, and replicate just about any
technique or movement they saw. However, we also had a fair number of
participants who had never done any self-defense or martial arts training
before—ever.

During my introduction, I asked my host, MBC Study Group
Leader Horst-Dieter Stadler, to explain in German that I would do my best to
speak slowly and clearly so everyone could understand the material. If at any
time I went too fast or they got lost, they were free to stop the process so we
could take the time to translate the instruction.

As the seminar progressed and the participants developed a
solid feel for MBC’s critical skills, it was clear that they also had a clear
understanding of the concepts and principles that powered those skills. When I
introduced new material, per the MBC teaching methodology, I always related it
to the previous material and tried to build as much “common ground” as
possible. This logical approach and the constant reinforcement and refinement
it provides really resonated with the seminar students. Within the first few
hours of the first day, virtually all of them were “thinking ahead” and making
all the right connections before I had the chance to explain them. When I
showed a “new” technique or application, I could clearly see the light bulbs and
hear the comments mentally connecting its mechanics to the material they had
already learned.

Logic had become our universal language.

One of the frustrating things about the martial arts is that
there is a tremendous obsession with focusing on minute differences in
technique. Sometimes that’s valid because small details can certainly have a
profound effect on the mechanical function and effectiveness of a technique.
However, in many cases, it’s a stylistic difference that doesn’t provide any
clear function and isn’t backed by any clear reasoning. If a student
understands “why” he should do something a specific way and that reasoning is
backed by sound logic, he has clear performance goals. He also has a ready-made
basis for evaluating and troubleshooting his own performance as he trains.
Instead of mimicry, he has the benefit of a thorough educational process that
includes visual, kinesthetic, and—within the limits of the common language
available—auditory learning.

People often ask me which self-defense system they should
study. Perhaps the most accurate answer is “the one taught by the instructor
who knows how to teach and really
explains why you’re doing what you’re doing.” That's one of the primary goals of all my teaching and it sets the standard for all MBC instructors. It's also why some very talented practitioners of MBC may never become instructors of the system.Those who can, do. Those who can teach, teach logically.

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About Me

Michael Janich has been a student and teacher of the martial arts and practical self-defense for more than 30 years. The author or co-author of numerous books and instructional videos on personal defense, combat shooting, and other topics, Janich has also been published in more than a dozen magazines, including Black Belt, Inside Kung Fu Tactical Knives, American Handgunner, S.W.A.T., and many others. Janich has recently earned critical acclaim as a co-host and subject-matter expert for Outdoor Channel's new hit personal defense series The Best Defense.
A decorated U.S. Army veteran and former DoD intelligence officer, Janich served with the National Security Agency (NSA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). He was also a team leader for the Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA), investigating the fates of U.S. POW-MIA in Vietnam and Laos.
Janich is the founder of the Martial Blade Concepts MBC) system of edged-weapon tactics, as well as the related systems of Counter-Blade Concepts (CBC), Damithurt Silat, and Sobadiwan Eskrima. Janich teaches seminars and training courses around the world.